Obama has enthusiasm edge in new poll

By DONOVAN SLACK

05/22/2012 06:58 AM EDT

A new Washington Post/ABC News poll found 93 percent of Obama supporters are enthusiastic about voting for him, compared to 75 percent of Mitt Romney's supporters who are enthusiastic about casting ballots for him.

Of Obama's supporters, 51 percent are very enthusiastic, while 26 percent of Romney's are very enthusiastic.

The numbers are similar to those for Obama and McCain at this point in the 2008 race, with Obama's enthusiasm at 91 percent and McCain's at 74 percent.

The new poll, which found Obama leading 49-46 if the election were held today, also measured voters' feelings about Romney's Bain experience with some surprising results.

When asked about his work "buying and restructuring companies," voters were split with 21 percent saying it was a major reason to vote for him and 21 percent saying is was a major reason to vote against him. More than half -- 54 percent -- said it wasn't a factor at all.

The poll surveyed a random sample of 1,004 adults between May 17 and 20. It has a argin of error of +/- 3.5 percent.